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Old 09-18-2014, 07:34 PM   #1
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Testing antenna signal

How do I test my antenna to find out I'd is actually picking up signal? We took our rv out the other week and couldn't get any channels on our tv. I assumed it was because our antenna was old and just not picking anything up because we were so far away from everything.

Today I installed a sensar 4/with wingman replacement head and sitting in the dc metro still get no channels, weak channels I could understand but I'm not getting anything at all.

So is there a meter or a way to determine if the antenna is getting a signal? Anything else I need to check?
Thanks in advance
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Old 09-18-2014, 07:43 PM   #2
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What is the TV you are using (year, brand and model)? If it is an older analog TV, you won't get any channels without a digital converter.
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Old 09-18-2014, 07:58 PM   #3
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Not sure about testing, others can chime in on how to do that. I see you have a older MH similar in age to mine. If you have not upgrade your TVs to newer digital TVs you will need a converter box. Also make sure you have the antenna power amp turned on. Usually a little switch on the wall plate for the antenna with a red LED that lights up when on. If you have the newer TVs you will have to run the auto channel scan to pick up the channels, usually it's best the re-scan at each new location you travel to. Good Luck.
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Old 09-18-2014, 11:29 PM   #4
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Both tvs are digital flat screens, a 32" Samsung up front and a 19" Toshiba flat screen/dvd combo. Antenna amp led is lit and the tv's find no channels when doing an auto search. I can understand not being able to get a signal at a cg in the middle of no where but I'm in a major metropolitan area I should be able to find something lol
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Old 09-19-2014, 08:06 AM   #5
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So I bought a cable toner/tester today and the antenna cable is dead where it goes through the roof into the ceiling of the coach. I'm at a loss at what to do next, I can't see a cable connecter at the roof level it looks like one continuous line
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Old 09-19-2014, 09:34 AM   #6
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Your tester will not work if the cable from the antenna is connected to a preamp.
Take the cable from the antenna and connect it directly to the tv without the preamp or any other switches in line then make sure the tv is set for over the air operation.
Once signal is obtained you can connect one item at a time i.e. preamp or switches checking to see if you loose signal. If you loose signal with one of them that will be where you have a problem.
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Old 09-19-2014, 09:40 AM   #7
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If you have a 12V tester I would suggest you test the cable at the antenna head to make sure it is getting 12V by putting the tester on the center wire and the outside area of the connector but MAKE SURE you don't let the testers leads touch. I found that I did have the proper 12V at my head but that the connection at the antenna needed to be cleaned and then I had amazing reception.
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Old 09-19-2014, 10:07 AM   #8
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I do not know the answer but I have an observation. Since you just installed the new antenna can you connect a different cable to the antenna and drop it down to a Televison set without using any of the internal wiring or preamplifier? If you can start there.
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Old 09-19-2014, 02:20 PM   #9
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Since you have the toner.. You have either a wall plate with 12 volt outlet, switch, LED and antenna connector or a box of many buttons.

Get to the back side of that device, on the wall plate with the 12 volt outlet at the top. and looking at the back the 1st cable SHOULD be the one to the roof.. Disconnect it and test

On the box of many buttons it's labeled ANT.. Disconnect and test.

Assuming cable good (Major assumption).

Using TV-remote make sure it is set for ANT(enna) not CABLE, then scan for stations.. IF it finds one tune to it then back to menu mode and find the Digital Signal Strength (Many possible names for that)

That's your signal meter

You may then rotate the antenna SLOWLY to peak.
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Old 09-19-2014, 05:10 PM   #10
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I disconnected one end from the antenna and the antenna lead from the bomb and connected the toner and had no continuity.

I'll go back and try from the antenna to the booster plate and see if anything changes. I don't want to replace the cable through the roof if I can avoid it.
Thanks
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Old 09-22-2014, 07:19 PM   #11
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As per everyone's suggestions I went back and disconnected the antenna wire from the 12v booster plate and toned it, had continuity so I connected it straight to the TV and got 6 channels.
I then disconnected the other coax from the booster to the bomb, had continuity there.

However I don't get continuity when I test through the booster or through the bomb...
Is it possible for the booster and the bomb to go bad at the same time?
Thanks for all the responses
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Old 09-22-2014, 07:22 PM   #12
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Does your BOMB also have 12V power? You should only be using the booster or the bomb to provide 12V to the antenna.
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Old 09-22-2014, 09:17 PM   #13
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The bomb is not powered, and not passing signal regardless of what button combinations are pushed
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Old 09-23-2014, 10:13 AM   #14
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Am I correct in assuming that I should be able to tone through the booster plate (turned off obviously) and the bomb?
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